November 28th 2025.
Brandon Hammond, the talented actor known for his role as Ahmad in the cult classic film "Soul Food," is determined to keep the film's legacy alive. He recently hosted a special Sunday dinner event and is currently working on a documentary to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary.
The event, held on November 23rd, brought together Hammond, along with co-stars Vivica A. Fox and Morgan Méchelle Smith, for a night filled with nostalgia and appreciation for the beloved film. With the help of Cult Classics, 1010 Wine & Events, and R.C. Bonds PR, the evening included a screening of "Soul Food" at the historic Miracle Theater, a Q&A session with Hammond and Fox, and a delicious Sunday dinner provided by 1010 Wine & Events.
The goal of the event was to honor the film's impact on Black cinema and to introduce it to a new generation. Hammond saw it as an opportunity to revive the tradition of Sunday dinner and reunite with his onscreen "mom," Vivica A. Fox. The two still keep in touch regularly and are currently collaborating on the upcoming Soul Food documentary.
"It was amazing. You know, it's funny because I talk to Vivica pretty regularly," Hammond shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. "So it's always good to get together with her. Even though we talk, at least, you know, probably every other week, especially now that she's an executive producer of the Soul Food reunion doc. So we were even conversing a lot on business."
He added with a smile, "But that's mom, you know, I've known her most of my life."
The idea for the documentary came about two years ago when Hammond was initially planning a reunion event for the film's 25th anniversary in 2022. After a conversation with his business partner, Genesis Scott, the idea for a documentary was sparked. The film would catch up with the entire cast and explore the enduring impact of "Soul Food" within the Black community.
"This is like my love letter to a movie that has meant so much to me both personally and professionally," Hammond shared, while also acknowledging the recognition and success he received after his breakout role in the film.
He also pointed out that while there have been reunions for popular '90s TV shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Martin," and "Friends," cult-favorite films often don't receive the same level of attention. Hammond believes that "Soul Food" is the perfect film to bring people back together, as it resonates deeply with its cast, crew, and audiences who see their own families reflected on screen.
"Soul Food is also right along with those other projects on like legacy IP. And we should celebrate this film," Hammond declared.
He gave credit to Fox for being the first to support the project, providing early investment that allowed him to film an interview with Irma P. Hall, who played the legendary Big Mama in the film. After Hall's interview, other cast members, including Nia Long, Vanessa Williams, Mekhi Phifer, and Michael Beach, joined in. Hammond shared that the support for the documentary spread "like a domino effect."
"The entire cast agreed to be in it. Everybody, you know, Michael, Vanessa, Mekhi, Nia, of course, Viv," he said.
However, the challenge lies in coordinating the busy schedules of so many high-profile cast members and getting them all together in one place.
"They're so iconic and busy and they're always working. So it's been a little bit trying to coordinate that," Hammond shared.
In addition to celebrating the film's legacy, the documentary holds a personal significance for Hammond. He plans to share his own story in the film, including why he stepped away from acting after his breakout role in "Soul Food."
"The documentary is not only a reunion, but I'm also going to be going into my own personal journey, because so many people had questions as to why I stopped acting," he explained. "And for so long, I didn't really give answers to that question. But in the documentary, we really go into it. We really go into my journey personally as well. And we connect how the 'Soul Food' film and my 'Soul Food' family have helped me to get to this place of kind of taking my power back, if you will, and telling my story."
As the film's 30th anniversary approaches, Hammond is determined to finish the documentary in time for fans to enjoy. However, with the current economic challenges affecting the entertainment industry, he notes that additional funding is still needed to bring the project to completion.
"We're about 30%, 40% through the film. But we are looking for support, like investors, fans," Hammond shared. "And you know, we financially, you know, to finish the film, to complete it, and to get it out by 2027 to coincide with the 30th anniversary. Look, we need that fan support. People, I know they want it. But you know, this industry is in a weird place right now. So it's been a little difficult to get it to the finish line, but I know we will. So please, just anybody out there wanting to help, please reach out to me and anybody connected to [the film]."
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